Double Lecture and Afternoon Tea | The House of Dior: Eighteenth-century References with Paola di Trocchio

Christian Dior often cited historic periods in his designs and the sumptuous silks and dramatic silhouettes of the eighteenth century were no exception. Such eighteenth-century references held a particular fascination for the designer’s inspiration within both his extravagant designs and his luxurious couture house. In addition to his couture, Dior’s premises of 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris had a neo-classical façade, medallion-backed chairs, and white and grey panelling like that of the Petit Trianon at Versailles, a colour Dior is said to have revived. This lecture will explore the eighteenth-century references throughout his iconic gowns and across his broad visual language. 

Just as Christian Dior was inspired by the eighteenth century, so were his successors. Maria Grazia Chiuri was named creative director at Dior in 2016 and was its first female director. She has consistently drawn on the codes of the house of Dior, reinventing his design vernacular for the twenty-first century woman. This lecture will look at some of the ways she has translated the textile motifs and silhouettes of the eighteenth century to the present day. They draw on the lavish style of the court dress worn at Versailles and the décor and decorative arts of the period. 

Paola Di Trocchio is a leading fashion curator, writer, and speaker. In her twenty-year career at the National Gallery of Victoria, she curated and co-curated twenty-two fashion and textiles exhibitions including Edward Steichen and Art Deco Fashion, The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift, 200 Years of Australian Fashion, Guo Pei among others.  She was co-ordinating co-curator for The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier from the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. She is currently working freelance on various projects. 

Your ticket includes two lectures by special guest Paola di Trocchio, and an afternoon tea of petit fours and tea or Market Lane coffee, served on our Wedgwood fine bone china, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our house museum, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

Image: "Palmyre" Robe de bal et étole en satin bleu glacier Dior, 1952 Photographié au Pavillon Colombe, la maison de la duchesse de Tallyrand à Saint-Brice, par Frances McLaughlin-Gill. Vogue 15 novembre 1952.